The Deteriorating Air Quality and COPD

A persistent cough that never seems to go away? Out of breath and wheezy very quickly? Feel like something is constantly stuck to your throat? It may be symptoms of COPD. We are no strangers to COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. With around 30 million COPD patients in India alone this is definitely one of the leading causes of premature death in India. But why this sudden rise and what exactly is this disease all about? COPD is basically an assortment of progressive lung diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstruction of airflow and bronchiectasis. It is an established fact that the air we breathe is no longer pure. In fact, it is one of the major triggers for a host of respiratory and cardiac ailments among people in recent times. While these used to be prevalent only among chain smokers and passive smokers, the scenario has changed drastically over the last few decades. With an increase in the amount of irritants and toxic triggers in our air, many people with a pre-existing respiratory condition are also falling prey to these ailments. Air pollution, irrespective of whether it is indoors or outdoors, have become major contributors/triggers of COPD. The interesting thing about this is that COPD would have slow course and often its symptoms manifest after 40 when your immune system has started to put down its guard and has started becoming vulnerable and prone to ailments. But that’s all grim things. What we need to hear on the other hand are ways in which we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from it. Be Informed: This is definitely the first thing that could protect you. Get yourself a reliable air quality monitor that could help you gauge the pollution levels both indoors and outdoors instead of just relying on the government setups. Never underestimate the effects of air pollution on your health and don’t assume that you are safe because you haven’t shown any signs of having COPD. During days of bad air quality levels, manage your events to ensure minimum exposure. Take your Vitamins Regularly: Your immunity plays a vital role in your fight against air pollution. If you have any pre-existing respiratory condition or allergy, ensure that you have that in check and monitor your health frequently. Avoid Heavy Workouts or Physical Strain during Bad Air Days: You tend to breathe in more air when you exercise or workout. This would be hazardous if the air quality is bad and loaded with toxins. Take special care to prevent prolonged exposure to pollution on such days. It would mean a lot if you can share your real-time air quality data to the concerned departments that are working towards a healthier environment. Living with COPD may not be impossible, but it is surely difficult. Working towards a safer and cleaner air is the only way forward that can help us combat this issue on the longer run. Build a customizable solution for your patients with our air quality and pollen api.